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The differences between validation engineers and process engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a validation engineer and a process engineer. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, which is higher than the $82,004 average annual salary of a validation engineer.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Validation Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A validation engineer is an individual responsible for managing, inspecting, testing, and modifying the instrumentation, equipment, mechanics, and procedures for the production of high-quality products. The professional's tasks include analyzing test results, preparing compliance reports, and keeping updated with industry standards and regulations. Validation engineers should possess core skills such as strong mathematical and information technology skills and the ability to resolve complex engineering problems. Possessing a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is an advantage to qualify for the position.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Validation engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | California | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 22.9% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |